COACHES' CORNER | Greg Matterson

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Like swings and roundabouts, a new Intrust Super Premiership NSW season has returned and we're well and truly back into the thick things out Newtown way.

It was a big year for the squad in 2016, though our title hopes were brought down by the Cutters at very nearly the final hurdle.

We were very proud to share in the success of the Sharks in the NRL competition, with our Newtown regulars showing their talents on the big stage when asked to do so by Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan.

Missing some NRL-quality players at the back-end of the season, we took teams right down to the wire, and if a couple of things went our way there's no doubt we had what it took to be genuine contenders.

But that's our challenge, and it's one we embrace. It is what it is.

Last year behind us, we're all very excited for what lies ahead in 2017.

We've got a good group this year, obviously there's a big turn over each season given our circumstances, and we've got to be very astute and find the right players.

The onus is on us to come up with the quality players to mix in with the NRL blokes. We're confident we've formed a great squad for this year.

We didn't show our best footy last weekend, but I was proud of the effort the group showed to get the two points against a Blacktown side who had plenty to play for.

Mounties this week proves another challenge. They're a very well-drilled team.

They tick all the boxes, and they're prepared to stay in the battle. We'll have to lift our game to another level this weekend.

Looking at the bigger picture, I know we'll be there and thereabouts again at the business end this year.

Our goal is to compete every week, and if we do that, we'll give ourselves the best hope of being in the eight at the year's end.

To our fans, thank you again for your continued support throughout the 2017 season. We can't wait to get back to playing footy at Henson Park.

For our boys, there's nothing better than running out in front of a strong crowd there, it's the best ground, with the best atmosphere in the competition.

Each week, a coach from the Intrust Super Premiership NSW will write exclusively for Coaches' Corner. For the latest on the Intrust Super Premiership NSW competition, make www.NSWRL.com.au your homepage.